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L.L. Bean

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Entrepreneur

The Resume

    (October 13, 1872-February 5, 1967)
    Born in Greenwood, Maine
    Birth name was Leon Leonwood Bean
    Developed a waterproof boot, the Maine Hunting Shoe (1911)
    Founded the retailer L.L. Bean (1912)

Why he might be annoying:

    His middle name was accidentally changed from Linwood to Leonwood.
    As a teen, he sold deer that he killed to unsuccessful hunters.
    Ninety of the first hundred boots he sold were returned after the stitching attaching the leather tops pulled away from the rubber soles.

Why he might not be annoying:

    His parents died four days apart when he was twelve years old.
    His 100% return policy produced a loyal customer base.
    He personally field tested every product he sold.
    He wrote his own ad copy, giving his catalogue a distinctive personality (a technique copied Eddie Bauer and J. Peterman, among others).
    He was a consultant to the Army and Navy during World War II, while his company manufactured footwear for the military.
    His store in Freeport became the second-most popular tourist attraction in Maine.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 47 Votes: 44.68% Annoying